Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military struck 3 Iranian oil tankers on September 5, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command. This action highlights ongoing tensions in the region involving U.S. military operations against Iranian assets.

The Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) is expanding its influence over gold mining operations in the Sahel, particularly in Burkina Faso, and is threatening neighboring countries like Ghana and Senegal. In 2026, JNIM is not only controlling mining areas but also extracting resources from local miners, establishing a system of taxation and control. This evolving situation poses significant risks to regional security as jihadist groups adapt their strategies to maintain their presence and influence.

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U.S. Central Command forces struck and disabled three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on September 5, following missile attacks from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on U.S. Navy warships. The U.S. vessels successfully evaded the missiles, and no personnel were harmed. This action is part of ongoing military operations to enforce a naval blockade against Iran's oil exports.

The MBDA Meteor missile, operational since 2016, enhances the air-to-air combat capabilities of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen and Eurofighter Typhoon. It achieves speeds over Mach 4 and features advanced guidance systems, providing a larger no-escape zone than traditional missiles. This missile's design allows for sustained thrust and midcourse updates, improving accuracy and effectiveness against maneuverable targets. Its integration with European fighter jets strengthens regional defense capabilities.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have confirmed that the ASC 890 aircraft has been conducting combat missions over Ukraine since March 2026. This Swedish-supplied aircraft enhances Ukraine's air defense capabilities by detecting and tracking threats at significant ranges. The deployment is part of a larger strategy to integrate Western military assets into Ukraine's defense network.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a bomber task force mission over the Pacific Ocean on December 17, 2022, involving a KC-135 Stratotanker and a B-52 Stratofortress. Trump's approval rating regarding the Iran conflict is reportedly improving, and Republican enthusiasm for the upcoming midterms has risen significantly. The report suggests that the political implications of the Iran war are minimal for Trump's electoral prospects.

An F-4E aircraft from the Hellenic Air Force crashed during an airshow in Athens on September 5. The status of the pilot remains unknown.

The British Ministry of Defence identified 310 soldiers harmed by noise and vibration from the Ajax armored vehicle, with 35 soldiers reporting symptoms during Exercise Titan Storm in November 2025. Despite these health concerns, the British Army continues to procure all 589 Ajax vehicles, citing their importance for future reconnaissance operations. The program has faced significant management issues and has been criticized for its impact on soldier health.

USS Missouri and USS Wisconsin fired 1,083 shells and 52 cruise missiles at Iraqi targets from January 17 to February 28, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm. The battleships utilized advanced technology, including drones for targeting, and played a crucial role in deceiving Iraqi forces about coalition troop movements. This marked the last combat use of American battleships before their decommissioning.

Five Chinese destroyers, including the Type 052D guided-missile destroyer Guilin, conducted live-fire drills in the South China Sea in September 2023. The formation showcased approximately 368 vertical launch system cells, highlighting China's naval capabilities. The Guilin returned to frontline service after repairs following a collision in 2025, indicating a shift towards a more aggressive naval posture in the region.

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Rubicon Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies claims to have utilized over 1 million FPV drones to strike more than 280,000 targets in Ukraine from January 2025 to August 2026. The unit, part of the Russian Army, has expanded its personnel from 1,450 to approximately 5,000 within a year. Despite its claims of effectiveness, independent assessments indicate that Rubicon has not fundamentally altered the drone warfare stalemate.

HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) of the British Royal Navy deployed from Portsmouth on September 5, 2023, carrying over 800 sailors. This marks its first extended sea period as NATO's afloat command platform for the Allied Reaction Force. The deployment aims to enhance NATO's crisis response capabilities and includes training alongside allied forces over the next three months.

Boko Haram fighters attacked ISWAP elements in Sambisa, Borno, since September 2, resulting in 23 jihadists killed. The conflict has escalated, impacting local politics as an APC gubernatorial candidate's convoy was targeted by an IED and RPG fire. The Nigerian military has not confirmed these incidents, highlighting ongoing instability in the region.

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On September 2, the People's Liberation Army Air Force conducted a patrol near Huangyan Island using a 教-10 advanced trainer aircraft armed with live missiles, marking its first public deployment in such a role. The aircraft warned intruding Philippine planes, supported by 歼-16 fighters and other naval assets, demonstrating a strategic and cost-effective military operation.

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On September 2, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) conducted patrols over Huangyan Island using a 教-10 advanced trainer aircraft armed with live 霹雳-5 missiles. The aircraft warned intruding Philippine planes to vacate the area, marking the first public use of the 教-10 in such operations. This approach is seen as a cost-effective tactic, supported by a range of military assets including 歼-16 fighter jets and naval vessels.

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China and Singapore commenced the 'Maritime Cooperation-2026' joint naval exercise in Zhanjiang on September 5, 2026. The exercise features two naval vessels: China's missile frigate Dali and Singapore's corvette. It includes both port and at-sea phases, with the at-sea phase starting on September 8, focusing on communication drills and joint maritime operations.

A family has maintained border security in the Pamir Plateau and Wakhan Corridor for over 70 years, emphasizing loyalty to the Communist Party. Kader Abdukirim, a soldier who fought at the border, inspired his descendants to continue this legacy. The current generation, including his grandson, has committed to protecting the border, highlighting the harsh conditions and the importance of their duty.

The Tangshan Maritime Safety Administration announced live ammunition shooting activities in the Bohai Sea from September 6 at 00:00 to September 7 at 24:00. Entry into the designated areas is prohibited during this period.

USS Abraham Lincoln docked in Thailand on September 2, 2023, allowing approximately 5,000 crew members to rest after nearly 9 months at sea. The U.S. Navy faces significant logistical challenges in the Middle East, including the destruction of a key supply base and the need for extensive resupply operations over long distances. Currently, two aircraft carriers and twelve destroyers are involved in operations in the region.

The German Navy successfully tested the LORA missile system in the North Atlantic on September 2, 2023, deploying two frigates for the operation. This missile system, developed in Israel, has a range exceeding 500 kilometers and represents a significant enhancement of Germany's naval capabilities. The test is seen as a new chapter in maritime deterrence and readiness for Germany and its allies.